Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  First of things to come - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jack - May 26 - 1:50 pm

  Lots of power, mileage as advertised, good looking, reliable Honda reputation

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  This car Rocks for all active people! - 2004 Honda Element
  By LarsConsulting - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride, excellent headroom in case 1980s hair comes back in, theatre seating for kids in the back. (i.e.: higher than front seats, reduces motion sickness), and best is this: you can literally spray out the interior floor with a hose! Go ahead - spill that juice box - I DONT CARE!!!

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  Better than Sienna - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Rockwall Man - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I spent 2 days at both the Toyota and Honda dealerships along with numerous hours of research and came to the following conculsion. The Odyssey is better than the Sienna. Why...overall value. Dont get me wrong, the Sienna was nice but it lost out when it came to price and extras. I worked hard to negotiate the best deal on comparable vehicles and found in the end that Honda offered more for your money. Handling was comparable as well as fuel effieciency and comfort. In the end, I got the Honda for $3000 less than the comparable Sienna. So dont give your money away to Toyota when you can have the best for less.

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  Pleased Pilot of a Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By C. W. and S. G - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Any travel request within 600 miles for a day trip is fine with me in the Pilot. For comfort and responsiveness the Pilot has it all on road trips and city driving. A lot of room to change positions on the long haul and high visibility in the city. We get regular maintenance servicing which is cheap because nothing seems to go wrong with the Pilots mechanical engineering. Having had a few other Hondas in the past this Pilot will be the one I stick with in the future. Anyone for a trip to New Orleans and some bignets? C.W. and S. G.

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  I love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lionsprincess - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My Pilot is awesome. Much better than my suburban. It is more comfortable and luxurious feeling. I bought mine through the Internet Department at Mel Rapton Honda and I got a Steal! I have not had any problems. The roll factor is much less compared to my big honkin Suburban. I look for excuses to go places just so I can drive it!

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  Awesome car!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By rehan - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I thought that the Civic didnt have enough room for 6ft tall people, but boy was I surprised. It is roomy and the interior is beautiful. I love the lighted gauges. The LX comes with nice standard features. The engine is very good but is a little noisy.

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  No Regrets For Me!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Totoyotanomore - May 26 - 10:00 am

  As a long time Toyota Camry owner, it was difficult to switch brands. Im not disappointed! I purchased a 2004 EX-V6 with a rear wing spoiler for $700 under invoice. The engine is quiet, powerful, and easy on gas. 25 mpg in mixed driving. Very impressive! I got the same gas mileage on my 96 Camry, 4 cylinder, and only half the horsepower (120 hp vs. 240hp). Smooth shifting transmission, intelligent control layout, precise handling, and quiet cabin. Standard safety features: ABS brakes, dual front air bags, side curtain air bags, and security system. A comparably equipped Camry would have cost me thousands more.

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  Sporty car for a great price! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Matt - May 26 - 8:06 am

  I bought the car in January after putting 255K miles on a previous civic. The styling on this car is great, as is the stereo system, but what really makes this car stand out - and is likely to generate some extra income for the state police - is its insatiable desire to go fast. It nearly begs to be driven faster through a tight turn, and as you hit 6500 rpm it will nearly give you whiplash and youll have to already be thinking about shifting into the next higher gear to make it before it redlines at 8000 rpm. Its a great car!

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  A Welcome Change - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shoreman - May 25 - 7:13 am

  After many years in a SUV, this was a welcome change!! Nice road handling. Nice acceleration for highway on- ramps! Surprisingly quiet inside. Well see how it does in the snow...

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  Wish I had two of em - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Tom Harmening - May 24 - 4:06 pm

  Ive been driving this Civic Hybrid for a week and already my fuel bills are plummeting. It is a great car and rides much better than my previous car - a 2003 Prius. Its smooth and quiet at both street and freeway speeds. My MPG is slowly rising (they told me it would take approximately 600 miles to get to optimum mileage levels) and now stands at 41 mpg average - up from 33 when first delivered. Friends and neighbors cant believe its a hybrid -- as one said "It looks like a regular car and not an egg". Honda has nailed this technology. I wish I could afford two of them - Id trade my Lexus in an instant for another Civic Hybrid!